🥊 Assault in Michigan: It’s All Fun and Games Until Someone Presses Charges
So you “just shoved him.”
Or “barely touched her.”
Or maybe you “only threw the drink—not the punch.”
Cute. But here’s the thing: in Michigan, even your half-hearted, I-wasn’t-even-mad-like-that moment can land you in court faster than you can say, “It didn’t even hurt.”
What Is Assault in Michigan?
Let’s break it down.
In Michigan, assault doesn’t require physical contact. Read that again. You can catch a charge just for threatening someone if they believe you’re about to follow through.
So yes—your “come at me, bro” pose in the Applebee’s parking lot can be criminal. Especially if it’s paired with a step forward and bad breath.
Now, if you do make contact—welcome to assault and battery territory. And no, “It was just a slap” doesn’t make it go away.
Degrees of Regret (Also Known as Charges)
Michigan recognizes multiple types of assault:
Simple Assault – Misdemeanor. Up to 93 days in jail and a fine. Basically the court’s way of saying, “Let’s try this again, but with fewer fists.”
Aggravated Assault – More serious. Usually involves injury that doesn’t quite qualify as “great bodily harm,” but definitely ruined someone’s weekend.
Felonious Assault – Weapons involved? That’s a felony. Hope you weren’t using your phone, a shoe, or a beer bottle creatively.
Assault with Intent – Now we’re talking about your plans to hurt someone. “I was going to knock him out” is now Exhibit A.
Common Defenses (and Why They Usually Flop)
“It was mutual!” Cool story. Michigan still might charge you both.
“But they started it!” Judges aren’t referees.
“I was defending myself!” Got video? Witnesses? A history of being the not-aggressor? If not, good luck.
Adulting Pro Tip: Keep Your Hands (and Attitude) to Yourself
We get it. People are annoying. But assault charges are expensive, stressful, and embarrassing. You’ll be explaining “what really happened” for months—mostly to people who are billing you by the hour.
The Final Blow
Whether it’s a drunken bar fight, a shove during a breakup, or a high-stakes dodgeball game gone rogue, remember this: Michigan doesn’t care who “won” the fight—only who broke the law.
So unless you want to test out courtroom acoustics and uncomfortable orange jumpsuits…
Walk away. Breathe. Text your therapist. Not your ex.
📞 Charged with assault? Panicked? Perfect—we can help.
🛡️ Newburg Law – Your Family. Your Future. Your Foundation.